first dibs on
idiom
US, informal
: choice of (something) before anyone else gets to pick
The farm always gives first dibs on its vegetables to local families.
Examples of first dibs on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
McDonough, who was White, outlined a priority system for enrollment, with families who already had children in the Catholic school system getting first dibs on those spots, followed by students transferring from other Catholic schools that were closing.
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Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on everything from Samsonite luggage sets to New Balance shoes up to 83 percent off ahead of the holiday weekend.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
Barbie Club 59 members get first dibs on August 14 at 9 p.m. PT.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Aug. 2025
Fox will get first dibs on the projects.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
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Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on everything from Samsonite luggage sets to New Balance shoes up to 83 percent off ahead of the holiday weekend.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
Barbie Club 59 members get first dibs on August 14 at 9 p.m. PT.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Aug. 2025
Fox will get first dibs on the projects.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
Cite this Entry
“First dibs on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20dibs%20on. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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